DELO offers more academic opportunities through National Student Exchange

WKU students have more academic opportunities than ever through National Student Exchange (NSE), a not-for-profit education consortium, providing affordable and practical opportunities for students to study and live in a new location. Seven WKU students participated in the program during this academic year.

History major Michael Wilbanks is studying at the University of Idaho. Kori Shannon, a political science major, is studying at the University of North Carolina – Wilmington. Both students exchanged for a full academic year.

In the fall of 2012, biology majors Whitney Marlin and Westley Perry studied at the University of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Biology major Riya Patel studied the New College in Florida. Biology major Brooke Guess and finance major Tyler Padgett studied at the University of Montana.

Padgett described his semester studying in Montana as the time of his life, adding that it introduced him to new experiences and people. “I would have never imagined myself doing some of the things I participated in while in the NSE program,” he said. “The only regret I have is only studying for a single semester.”

Through NSE, students can exchange for a single semester or an academic year at nearly 200 campuses throughout the U.S., Guam, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands. Exchange opportunities are available for WKU students through the Study Away office, and WKU also plans to host incoming NSE students from other member institutions.

Architectural science major Chase Whicker and English major Brady Thompson will study at the University of Puerto Rico in Rio Piedres this fall, and architectural science major Jennifer Gaiko will study at Oklahoma State University this spring. WKU will host two incoming NSE students — Chris Gorman from the University of Wyoming and Jesse Rhees from New Mexico State University — for an entire academic year.

“Being an exchange student means far more than simply taking classes at another school,” said WKU Study Away Director Jerry Barnaby. “It’s an opportunity for students to live in a different place and immerse themselves in a new and unique culture.”

Applications for fall 2013 and spring 2014 are due by April 30. For information, including application details, eligibility, information on NSE tuition plans and financial aid opportunities, call (270) 745-2231 or visit www.wku.edu/studyaway/nse.